The program also helped to establish 68 eye centers, which improved the abilities of rural doctors to handle cases.

Fong noted that China's economic success has resulted in dramatic improvements in the lives of cataract patients in rural areas in the past 20 years, but she said the program still has great significance.

"China sees more than 500,000 new cases of cataracts every year, and most patients in remote regions don't receive timely treatment because of a lack of medical facilities and transportation," she said.

The program has also expanded beyond China's borders.

Statistics provided by the Chinese Foundation for Lifeline Express show that more than 1,500 people with cataracts in Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Pakistan have been helped since 2016. The charity has also provided training for local medical professionals and established treatment groups.

Lifeline Express is planning to send medical trains to six countries that are participating in the Belt and Road Initiative as a way of boosting medical cooperation.

"China used to be a recipient of international charitable aid, but now she is giving back to the international community. Lifeline Express also plans to make its own contribution," Fong said.